what to feed disabled rabbit

• Feed your rabbit an unlimited amount of fresh, high-quality hay. For disabled rabbits, hay’s high fiber content helps prevent digestive problems like gastrointestinal stasis. ...
• Select high-quality rabbit pellets. The pellets should about at least 20% fiber, 12 to 14% protein, and 1 to 1.5% fat. ...
• Vegetables not only provide important nutrients, but also provide moisture that is important for bladder and kidney health in disabled rabbits.
• Fruits, although high in sugar, can be good if your disabled rabbit needs to gain weight. ...
• Provide your disabled rabbit with unlimited access to fresh, clean water.

Full Answer

What do you feed a baby rabbit?

What to Feed Your Rabbit. Use a good quality, high fiber alfalfa or timothy based pellet as a small part of your rabbit’s diet. Feed a minimum of 1 cup vegetables for each 4 lbs. of body weight. Select at least three types of vegetables daily. A variety is necessary in order to obtain the necessary nutrients, with one each day...

What can I give my disabled rabbit for weight gain?

Feed your rabbit an unlimited amount of fresh, high-quality hay. For disabled rabbits, hay’s high fiber content helps prevent digestive problems like gastrointestinal stasis. Of the different types of hay (e.g., timothy, alfalfa, orchard grass) alfalfa is great for disabled rabbits because it has a sweet taste and helps with weight gain.

Can a disabled rabbit eat fruits?

Fruits, although high in sugar, can be good if your disabled rabbit needs to gain weight. Fruits can cause digestive upset, so add them to his diet very slowly and watch for diarrhea.

How much should I Feed my Rabbit to gain weight?

Use a good quality, high fiber alfalfa or timothy based pellet as a small part of your rabbit’s diet. Feed a minimum of 1 cup vegetables for each 4 lbs. of body weight. Select at least three types of vegetables daily. A variety is necessary in order to obtain the necessary nutrients, with one each day...

How do you feed a paralyzed rabbit?

They need long periods of intensive nursing.Assisted feeding may be necessary either by syringe or hand feeding.Their enclosure must be flat with no obstacles to food and water.Bedding must be soft, absorbent and clean. ... The recumbent rabbit may need to be turned 4-10 times daily to prevent pressure sores.More items...

How can I help my disabled rabbit?

Fill one container with warm soapy water (bunny shampoo), add more shampoo as needed and lather well. Move over to next container, with clean water (or with white vinegar in it if your rabbit has no pressure sores). It is important that you dry your rabbit as thoroughly as he will tolerate.

What should I feed my weak rabbit?

While you seek treatment, try to keep your rabbit hydrated and warm. A syringe with water or soft foods (applesauce or baby food) can assist. Depending on the condition, your vet may prescribe prescription medication to help your rabbit's condition.

What do you feed a malnourished rabbit?

In many cases, an underweight rabbit will benefit from increased consumption of fiber-laden foods, especially grass hay and, to a much lesser extent, leafy greens.

What causes a rabbit to be paralyzed?

Cause: Damage to a rabbit's back by any kind of trauma can lead to partial or complete paralysis of the hind limbs. The most common cause of back trauma occurs during restraint of a rabbit when he kicks out suddenly or twists. The more forceful the restraint is, the more likely it is that a spinal injury will result.

What is floppy bunny syndrome?

Floppy Rabbit Syndrome (FRS) is considered an acute neurological condition characterised by a sudden inability to hop around. The muscles of the legs and sometimes the neck are flaccid. FRS remains a poorly understood diagnosis in rabbits, with research ongoing in an attempt to identify an inciting cause.

What are the signs of a rabbit dying?

0:363:375 Signs Your Rabbit is Dying - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOther signs to indicate a rabbit is about to die are inactivity and apathy. Something which may alsoMoreOther signs to indicate a rabbit is about to die are inactivity and apathy. Something which may also occur when they are under stress.

How can I stimulate my rabbits appetite?

Syringe feeding can stimulate your rabbits appetite. Offer ​fresh parsley and other fragrant, tasty herbs throughout the day. He may eventually take a nibble. Even waving tempting treat foods in front of him can entice your annoyed rabbit to take a bite and decide food isn't so bad after all.

How do you syringe feed a difficult rabbit?

2:104:13Syringe Feeding Rabbits - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd gently putting it inside the mouth. So some rabbits will kind of object to this a little bit butMoreAnd gently putting it inside the mouth. So some rabbits will kind of object to this a little bit but once you get it in and gently give some food they usually take it pretty. Well.

How can I help my rabbit gain weight?

One of the most common ways to help a rabbit gain weight is to give them unlimited pellets, and watch them fatten up that way.

Are oats safe for rabbits?

Oats make a good treat for rabbits. Like everything else, they should be given in moderation. One teaspoon a day is plenty unless you have an underweight rabbit. Oats are low is sugar but higher in fat.

Can rabbits recover from gut stasis?

Treatment of GI stasis varies depending on severity and underlying causes. Recovery is often slow and may take several days to weeks. Fluid therapy — Many affected rabbits are dehydrated or suffering from electrolyte imbalances.

Can rabbits have special needs?

Rabbits with Special Needs Life with a special needs rabbit can be both challenging and very rewarding. Disability does not necessarily mean the end, as many special needs rabbits live long and happy lives. Special needs can include illness, disability, or simply the challenges of old age.

Can bunnies have disabilities?

Injuries can happen, but that doesn't have to mean the end of a long happy life for your pet. There are disabilities that rabbits can live with, if you can provide the care and attention to ensure that your pet thrives despite its physical issues.

How much is a rabbit wheelchair?

Now, thanks to a page that has garnered almost 1,200 likes, Oreo will be getting a custom-built $300 bunny wheelchair so he can live out his days disabled but not defeated.

What do you do with an incontinent rabbit?

An incontinent rabbit must be kept strictly indoors. Outdoors, he will become a victim of fly strike (maggots) in just a few hours. Rabbit fur takes a long time to dry. For this reason I learned to give abbreviated baths sometimes consisting only of shoving the rear end under running water.

Diapering

What we typically do is use diapers (huggies #1 or some other brand of size 1) to keep the bun dry. I pull the diaper, still folded, from the package, and cut a hole out of the butt end of it. When you unfold it, it is in exactly the right spot for the tail to poke out.

Feeding

In terms of feeding, if your bun’s appetite is still good, then they can eat anything they want, as much as they want. You want to provide food for them ALL the time, to keep their weight up (they’ll lose quite a bit just from a loss of muscle mass).

Carts and Wheelchairs

Many disabled rabbits learn to use a cart to get around in. Companies that sell such carts include Doggon Wheels, Eddie’s Wheels, and Handicapped Pets.

Keeping Spirits Up

Give them lots of attention and make sure they don’t feel isolated. Find out more about rabbits with disabilities.

What is the best food for a disabled rabbit?

This brand by Earth's Best is USDA certified organic, meaning it is free of growth hormones, antibiotics, steroids or potentially harmful pesticides or herbicides, and it contains no added salts or sugars. It is a great source of vitamins A and C and will help keep your disabled rabbit's digestion running smoothly, especially if they are struggling with diarrhea or other upset, if fed on occasion. Rabbits usually love the pumpkin flavor with the added sweetness from the apple and it makes for a great healthy treat. We can find this brand at our local grocery stores.#N#Ingredients: Organic pumpkins , organic apples, water. That's it!!

What to feed a rabbit with a high fat diet?

Flax seeds are another possible supplement option. They are particularly helpful for weight maintenance. Flax seeds are packed full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals and the ever-important dietary fiber that underweight rabbits need. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, or good fats that reduce cholesterol and help to partially reduce the negative effects of a higher fat diet. They are great for the coat, are said to improve energy and general health, and are even rumored to help with arthritis inflammation. Due to the richness of flax seeds , we recommend just a small pinch over your rabbit's food a few times a week.

What is critical care for rabbits?

Critical Care is a premium recovery food that can be given to rabbits that are struggling with eating or are unwilling to eat their normal diet due to injury, illness, surgery or poor nutritional status. It is a specially formulated food mix that contains all the essential nutrients of a complete diet as well as high-fiber timothy hay to ensure proper gut physiology and digestion. To feed, it is as simple as mixing one tablespoon of critical care with approximately 2 tablespoons of water. The dosage when critical care is being used as a primary food source is 3 tablespoons per kilogram of body weight. We use critical care only as a diet supplement to maintain weight and nutrition and so feed about 1 tablespoon twice a day for a total of 2 tablespoons. We also add 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree (listed above) per feeding and then add water until the mix reaches a 'cream of wheat' consistency. Our rabbits lick it straight off the spoon. We definitely recommend its use.

Can disabled rabbits eat rolled oats?

While there is some controversy over its feeding, rolled oats can be a good addition as a supplement for a disabled rabbit. Rolled oats are traditionally oat groats that have been rolled into flat flakes under heavy rollers and then steamed and lightly toasted. These oats are very high in carbohydrates and dietary fiber which, for normal rabbits, may cause weight gain. For disabled rabbits, these extra nutrients are often needed to increase or maintain weight and energy and support digestion. As such, we feed organic rolled oats as a supplement for our rabbits. Feed no more than 1 tablespoon with their food daily. Feeding too much can often cause more harm than good- leading to soft stools.

What to do if a bunny's appetite doesn't pick up?

Chances are, if the bunny’s appetite doesn’t pick up at least within the same day, you may have to syringe feed her.

What does it mean when a bunny refuses food?

A Bunny Who Refuses Food Is a Bunny in Crisis!

How to make a bunny squirt?

Spoon whichever solution you choose into a syringe with a large opening in the nozzle. Put the tip of the nozzle in the side of the bunny’s mouth and squirt small amounts in at a time.

Can you put Robbie's pellets in a bowl?

I could use a heavy shallow bowl to put Robbie’s pellets in, but it’s easier—for him and me—to put the food just off to the side of his head and let him eat it. I put his water in a large crock bowl, which he drinks from by propping himself up on his good front leg.

Can a disabled bunny eat hay?

Unless a disabled bunny is on a strict diet, she can eat anything that a healthy bunny can. This means hay (timothy, orchard grass, and oats for variety), quality pellets, and vegetables.

Life with a Disabled Rabbit

Molly wasn’t always disabled. A member of our household for almost eight years, she hopped about our fenced yard, let herself in and out of the house through a doggie door, and spent the better part of her day keeping those pesky ferns in check.Overnight her health and life changed drastically–and our lives did, too.

Dealing with Incontinence

This was not Molly’s first health problem. She had been without bladder control for the previous year. As her bladder filled she could not contract her muscles to empty it, and when it was full, the urine dribbled out. Molly’s whole rear end became soaked with urine, so we rinsed her in the laundry-room sink to prevent urine burns .

Soft Props

To keep her comfortable and close to us, we put a fluffy comforter on the kitchen floor and propped her up into a normal position, using rolled-up towels for support. Don and I took turns supporting her lame rear leg with our hands so she could hop around and get some exercise and physical therapy.

How to accommodate a disabled bunny?

To accommodate your newly disabled bunny, you’ll need to do the following immediately: You will need to set up accommodations according to your rabbit’s needs and abilities, sometimes this is a matter of trial – and error. You will want and need to have constant access to your rabbit.

How do I clean a bunny?

The easiest way to clean a rabbit is in the kitchen sink. Put a rubber pad, used for protecting glass, in the bottom of the sink, get your bunny shampoo out, put out two towels – one for your rabbit’s front paws, the other for drying; have your hair dryer near by and plugged in. Get the water to a comfortable luke-warm temperature. Lower bunny into the sink on his hind end – which will most likely need to be supported by one hand, and let his from paws rest on the towel at sink-side or against your body. You will need to adapt to whichever way is the easiest and most comfy for your rabbit. Rinse the bottom part of his torso, whatever areas are dirty and lather with bunny shampoo. I was worried about Charles’ reaction to this, but he liked it. Keep talking to him, keep kissing his head, keep him calm. Many rabbits enjoy having their dirty bottoms and stiff muscles massaged and soaked in the warm bath.

How to dry rabbit fur?

Often it is easier to set the dryer on a bunched towel, aim it at the rabbit and move him as needed. Because the rabbit’s bottom can get very messy and because a rabbit’s fur is quite thick , it may be wise to have your rabbit’s bottom shaved. ASK YOUR RABBIT VET. Shaving also gives you a good view of any rug burns or pressure sores, and it makes the application of Desitin ointment possible. Since a rabbit’s skin is so very thin, it is wise to put the ointment on the bottom after almost every bath.

How to get a bunny to straddle the sides?

Another method is to have two plastic containers, shallow enough so your rabbit can straddle the sides – backside in the container, front paws outside the container. Fill one container with warm soapy water (bunny shampoo), add more shampoo as needed and lather well. Move over to next container, with clean water (or with white vinegar in it if your rabbit has no pressure sores).

How to wrap a rabbit's diaper?

Find the front of the diaper (it has the Velcro), pull the paper coverings off the Velcro tabs, open the diaper and wrap the diaper through your rabbit’s back legs.

Why do rabbits become paralyzed?

Rabbits can become paralyzed for many reasons; from injuries such as I mentioned to neurological problems such as those related to e. cuniculi (pronounced ‘e. koo-nik-u-lie’). So – after you and your rabbit have gotten the very best vet to give you a prognosis that you and your rabbit can live with, the at-home nursing care begins.

What to do if your rabbit has a partner?

If your rabbit has a partner, this will be very helpful in keeping him occupied and happy (and can help keep those ears groomed!). If not, you may want to talk to your vet about adopting a new friend for him, to help while away all those boring hours when YOU aren’t there!

Care

Do you keep them in a cage? In an x-pen? What should you use for bedding? If they are incontinent, how do you keep them dry? How do you keep them comfortable but safe at the same time?

Health

Pain management. Pressure sores. Urine scald. Digestive upset. Weight loss. Arthritis. How can you keep them healthy? How can you treat and prevent common issues for a disabled rabbit?

Future

What sort of life will your bunny lead into the future? What sort of potential do they have for a complete and fulfilling life? What can you do to help them lead a happy life despite their obstacles?

What is the best bed for a disabled rabbit?

One top layer fabric option is the Palace Pet Bed. These beds are popular among disabled rabbit owners as they are made s pecifically for animals struggling with orthopedic problems, incontinence, and injury recovery. They have a superior fiber density designed to wick moisture away from your rabbit. They are non-allergenic, non-toxic and non-irritating, will not unravel, are lightweight, anti-bacterial and are resistant to staining and chewing. They are also available in various sizes to fit any setup or need. Please keep in mind though, that this bed can be a little thick for some rabbits and, for some, can impede mobility. Buy carefully.

What do rabbit pads do?

Whether washable or disposable, these pads are essential for keeping the above layers dryer and for drawing urine away from layers that touch the rabbit in order to keep them, and the rabbit, as dry as possible. They also catch urine and keep it from reaching bottom layers and, ultimately, your floors.

What is the best fabric for a rabbit bed?

A less expensive alternative to the brands of fabric mentioned above is plain sherpa fabric. Sherpa fabric can be purchased by the yard at a fabric store, such as JoAnn Fabrics (click on the photo above for the link to purchase online). Sherpa fabric acts much in the same way as the beds above. It allows urine and wetness to fall through to the layers below while keeping the top of the fabric relatively dry. It is thinner and less 'sturdy' than the beds above, but some rabbits (depending on disability and need) do better on this thinner fabric. Due to the thinness of the fabric, they may need to be replaced more quickly than higher-end fabrics, but it is still an effective top layer for your disabled rabbit.

Can you vacuum a rabbit's carpet?

A square of extra carpet or a rug can be a great base for other bedding. Both will provide cushion and provide a barrier so that any messes will not reach your actual carpet. Both options can be vacuumed or cleaned with carpet cleaner, but only rugs can be washed. Buy a square large enough to cover your rabbit's flooring.

Can you put a bed under a rabbit?

We like to add a small bed on top of the fleece layer as a sleeping place for our disabled rabbit. A bed is great to put under a hideaway for a cozy place for your rabbit to snuggle. There are tons of options, including some that you can make your own.